Page:Tributes to Helen Bell, Woman's Progress, April 1895.djvu/4

Rh clear business ability which served her and others so well in after years. A most wonderful characteristic was her power of sympathizing with all kinds of people and with all ages. It was a gala day for the children when she came to stay with us—for each she had always some special remembrance; for the time being she was as much their friend as mine."

"From her earliest girlhood nothing refreshed her more than a bit of bohemianism, an innocent delight in the disregard of the convenances of society."

Another lifelong friend writes: "She was an attractive child, winning, loving and lovable with artless original ways that matured with her womanliness and seemed ever the secret of her attractiveness. From her father she inherited a love of nature which was strengthened in her long summer vacations near the Water Gap, where field walks or mountain scrambles, or excursions in the woods were ever a pleasure. Nothing escaped her notice. Many were the trophies gathered to be used in future study."

At this school she formed friendships that were never broken. On holidays these merry girls gathered in the freedom of country life, where in rural walks and wild adventure Helen lead on to fun and frolic, for her nature knew neither physical nor moral fear, and her independence and love of liberty felt no veneration for Mrs. Grundy.

Whilst showing due reverence to age and position, she clearly recognized the true value of each individual, and must have known herself the peer of the best men and women whom she met in social life.

Absent from the city on one occasion for a few days, she returned saying gleefully: "For the first time in my life I have been severely patronized." To these patronizing strangers she had given no sign save the sign of her perfect graciousness, but had concealed with difficulty the sense of amusement until she could report this new experience to her friends at home.

Not only in academic studies did she excel. Mrs. Longstreth's pupils were instructed in the art of sewing. A folding book wherein is displayed the excellent skill of the needle-woman is still preserved. The miniature samples set forth the mysteries of button holes, hem stitch, linen marking, exquisite darning and the plain stitches used in daily life.

School days ended. At home, the young scholar found leisure and opportunity to gratify her desire for knowledge. General society could not draw the omnivorous reader from the companionship of historians and philosophers, of poets and novelists. She led an ideal life, as though she walked with them through flowery fields and by the music of rippling waters.

Half-unconsciously she was laying a broad and fine foundation on which to build. During this blissful season of preparation, perhaps, no one would have been so much surprised as herself at the prophetic vision of the beautiful structure she was about to build on that foundation.